MrsJenn

We were interested in going to Lanai for a day while we visit Maui this Christmas. We have looked at the Trilogy trip, but it seems a bit expensive at almost $180 per person.
Has anyone taken the ferry from Maui to Lanai for the day? If so, how did you get around once you were there? What activities did you enjoy?
Any advice is appreciated.

TravelGram

I'm also looking at this trip when we go in February, so I'll be interested to see what your replies. We've been to Maui many times and have only taken a snorkel trip to Lanai, but not an island tour.

dmlove

I don't know anyone who has taken a ferry, but everyone I know who has taken the Trilogy trip has said it was worth the expense.

MrsJenn

TravelGram -
I have found this website:
http://www.adventurelanai.com/
Looks like they will pick you up at the ferry.

dmlove - I'ver heard great reviews of the Trilogy trip as well. It's just a matter of convincing my husband that it's worth the $$, or that we won't be saving much by doing things ourselves

Ag3046

The Trilogy trip takes you to a little beach where they have a little beach club set up. Nice snorkeling, picnic tables, sunning, but you are on the east side of the island and you won't be able to see any of the island.

The ferry takes you to Manele Bay, which is very pretty. You really need to rent a car to see the rest of the island. It was about $100 a day when I did it several years ago. It is an interesting day trip, and I though much better than the Trilogy trip.

MrsJenn

Thanks Ag3046!
That's good to know. We love to explore on our own, so taking the ferry and renting a jeep might be the best thing for us.
Were you able to tour the hotel there for lunch, etc., or is it best to bring our own food and water?

Ag3046

There is a restaurant in Lanai City. I ate at the Manele Bay Hotel which is beautiful. I don't think the Lodge at Koele offers meals to no-guests.

dmlove

Nice snorkeling, picnic tables, sunning, but you are on the east side of the island and you won't be able to see any of the island.

That's incorrect. You can stay all day at the snorkel/beach/picnic area OR take a trip into town on the Trilogy trip.

JohnD

Aloha MrsJenn,
Second exploring lanai in a 4WD-Jeep.
We used Expeditions package, described on day 5 of previous Trip Report: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34456218

MrsJenn

Aloha JohnD,

Thanks for posting the link to your fantastic trip report! I was able to get lots of ideas from it. Sounds like renting a jeep will be prefect for us.

Thank you!
Jennifer

Suzie

We were given the option of doing a tour of Lanai so it was more than just sunning on the beach and snorkeling. Also you should consider that breakfast and a large mid day meal are included in the $179 price. 10% off if booked online.

It was a great experience.

climber45

I have done both .The ferry is more personal and about 1/3 of the cost,bring your own gear and food and stay as long as you want,but may be a bit boring.the food on the trilogy was fun,and they provide the gear.either way nice beach,very close to the ferry... less than 1 k.

MrsJenn

So is it just the trilogy trip that makes it fun? Just wondering if it's worth spending a day there if going to the beach is the best part. We can always find a pretty beach on Maui to lay around on and snorkel from. We did a snorkel trip to Lanai during our last trip to Maui. If we rent a jeep to check out Lanai, will we regret not just staying on Maui?

We will be on Maui 12 days. We are taking one day trip to Oahu to tour Pearl Harbor. I have been to Oahu before, but my husband has not and I know he would find it very interesting. So, should we just skip the Lanai trip?
Any opinions appreciated!

JohnD

Since you are going in winter, I vote for doing the Lanai day trip as in our experience it may well double as an awesome whale watch and work the Pearl Harbor visit in on your return flight to the mainland.

Not sure of your flight plans but we found it is more time and $-) efficient if visiting Oahu to book the flight from the mainland to connect through HNL airport before flying into Maui. On your last day and return trip from Maui to HNL, leave on the first flight in the morning to avoid crowds and lines at Pearl Harbor and check your luggage for a later evening flight back to the mainland while renting a car for the day to visit Oahu.

KATHERINEMAEPARDEE

Absolutely; one of our best experiences.

We took our first trip to Lanai in the mid 80s when Dole was still raising pineapple there. It was incredible; no hotels to speak of.

In the early 90s they built two first class hotels and we have visited Lanai every year since. My favorite hotel is in the mountains but we usually spend a week at the Manele Bay too.

The snorkeling is world renowned. Over the years the dolphins have come so close to the shore and us, you could almost reach out and touch them.

The hotels provide a bus (every 30 min) going between the hotels and Lanai City and YOU CAN dine at either hotel.

We have been going to Lanai only for the past 15 years and we often see day visitors hopping the bus. We like Lanai because of its lack of commercialism. You really don't need a car with the convenient bus service.

Visiting both hotel lobbies and grounds are like museums.

The first time we visited in the early 90s, Bill Gates had his wedding on the greens at one of the golf courses.

There are only a couple of restaurants and they only open for dinner. The hotels will serve you and you like me will come away with a fabulous memory.

Expedition is fine; that was our first trip over but I would recommend you bring your own snorkel gear, come over on the first ferry and spend the day.

Also, the 5 star hotels are kind of pricey but you might consider the original hotel on the island - rates are inexpensive and you stay where the Dole folks use to stay. It's in a pine grove. Lanai City Hotel...check it out if you want to spend the night.

Lanai is like Hawaii use to be. Oh yes, at the Lanai City Hotel we always have their local venison each year we visit. I don't think you will be disappointed. It taste so good; they say it's because of their diet - pineapple...but they are just kidding.

Do your homework....this is Hawaii's Best Kept Secret!

Oh yes, they even have campgrounds right on the beach. So many hiking places and yes, you can rent a jeep for a day but it is absolutely not necessary. Plenty to see on foot! and the FREE bus you can sneak on from either hotel or Manelle Bay or in the Center of Lanai City.

Bring your wallet!!!

[email protected] email

if you have any specific questions...this is one of my favorite destinations in the whole world

trippinkpj

We took the Ferry from Lahaina to Lanai, though it's been over 10 years. From the ferry dock, we took a shuttle service (I forget how much) to Lanai City and the Lodge at Koele. We had lunch in Lanai City, then took a shuttle back to Manele Bay and spent the rest of our day there. It was in early February, so we saw a lot of whales especially on our ride back to Lahaina. A very enjoyable day trip.

dawnnoelm

We did the Triology. Dh loved it - it is very well run and felt it was worth the money.

One thing - if you are prone to motion sickness - be afraid, be very very afraid.

I got VERY sick.

Traveler28

I also took the Trilogy trip and loved it. I've been on so many whalewatch trips and only ended up seeing a bit of a tail before it sank into the ocean. On the Trilogy trip to Lanai (in March), we had whale sightings up close and personal. No guarantee, of course, but I would do the Trilogy Lanai trip for the chance to see this again.

There was an island tour offered for anyone interested after spending some time at the beach. This was then followed by a barbecue at a pavillion.

mceby

My wife and I took the Lahaina-Lanai ferry last week. I have never been so disappointed in my life. I had always heard that Lanai was a garden spot. Well, it might have been until 1992 when Castle and Cook stopped growing pineapples. Shortly after that, an attempt was made to raise sheep and cattle. The sheep destroyed the native vegetation leaving a horrible tangle of weeds. The island is definitely a land of haves and have nots. According to our tour guide, the Sheraton on the beach has rooms starting at $495 to $7000 a night . Lanai City is interesting but can be seen by foot in a short period of time. It was a company town at one time with the farm workers living in company homes and shopping in company stores. The beach near the Sheraton is a beautiful place but for my money, I would go back to Molokai. To me, that is what the original Hawaii used to be like. I don't want to throw cold water on your trip but my money and tour time would be to Molokai.

MrsJenn

Thanks for the info! We have been discussing Molokai, as it sounds very interesting, but may save that and Lanai for another trip. It's always good to hear all sides!